'Will recover damages, use bulldozers if necessary': Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis warns rioters

Maharashtra:  CM Devendra Fadnavis conducted a high-level meeting with senior police officials on Saturday to discuss the recent communal riots in Nagpur following the row over Aurangzeb tomb. Addressing the press later, he threatened to recover damages from rioters and added, "Wherever necessary, bulldozers will also be employed." The violence, which took place on March 17, resulted in extensive stoning and burning following rumors of the arson of a "chadar" inscribed with sacred messages during a protest organized by Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP).

Riots broke out in Nagpur's central city on March 17

Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis Saturday stated that the cost of public property lost due to Nagpur violence will be reclaimed from rioters.Fadnavis further said that the property would be seized if the price was not collected, and he threatened with "bulldozer" action. Whatever damage has been inflicted will be recovered from the rioters. If they do not pay the money, then their properties will be auctioned for the recovery. Wherever necessary, bulldozers will be used.

Protesting against demonstrations organized by the (VHP)

Riots broke out in Nagpur's central city on March 17 due to rumors that a "chadar" with sacred writing was set ablaze while protesting against demonstrations organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), seeking the demolition of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb's mausoleum in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

104 accused have been arrested 

Fadnavis on Saturday revealed that 104 people have been arrested on the charge of rioting based on CCTV footage. He also added that more people will be arrested. "Action will be taken against the riot perpetrators or the ones abetting the riot," Fadnavis was also quoted by news agency as saying. "Even the rumour-mongers on social media will be made co-accused. 68 such social media messages have been traced and deleted till now."

Reports of molestation untrue

The media reports of molestation of female constables by rioters are untrue, the top minister also unveiled. "Stones were hurled at woman police constables, reports of molestation untrue," He added further that the incident cannot be termed as "intelligence failure", but the intelligence (collection) could have been better. Fadnavis also added that there is no foreign hand or Bangladeshi connection of the incident.